Costa Mesa High to get college-style schedule this fall

Costa Mesa High School will roll out a college-style scheduling system this fall, the third high school in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District to do so.

The so-called “block schedule” allows students to take more classes in the school year and reduces scheduling conflicts. School staff approved the change earlier this month.

“It’s about modeling more of a college-style schedule and preparing kids and getting them ready for that next level of education,” Principal Jake Haley said. “They can choose their path a little more.”

With the new schedule, students will take eight classes over a two-day period. The classes would last roughly 90 minutes. Under the current schedule, students typically take six classes in the school day, with each class running about 50 to 55 minutes, Haley said. The change allows eight academic courses to be completed per semester as opposed to six.

He expects the new schedule will also boost participation in the school’s signature academies, which offer enhanced curriculum in specific subjects, such as science, engineering, math, technology and the arts.

Phil D’Agostino, the district’s director of student and community services, said the block system will cut down on scheduling conflicts between honors and Advanced Placement classes, allowing students to take more the college-preparatory classes if they choose.

D’Agostino, a former principal at Costa Mesa High, said staff there began talking about adopting a block schedule five years ago. He also was part of the committee that brought the block schedule to Newport Harbor High School more than 10 years ago. Later, he advocated for it at Estancia High School as an assistant principal and principal, he said.

Corona del Mar High School is the only comprehensive high school in the district that hasn’t adopted the system. Kathy Scott, principal of Corona del Mar High, said the school used to have a block schedule but isn’t pursuing the idea.